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"Why did you agree so readily?" Hanzo furrowed his brow as he confronted Akihiko. "You know that Danzo is a formidable ninja, one even you fear. And what about the vase? Wasn't it supposed to be worth 100 million?"
Akihiko found himself at a loss for words as he met Hanzo's gaze. Hadn't Hanzo once referred to Danzo as a cunning rat? Moreover, Weren't Hanzo's initial demands far less than a million, and now he was unsatisfied even with fifty million? How had things changed so rapidly?
"The war is nearing its end, and there's no need to haggle with Konoha," Akihiko finally responded. "It's time to secure our gains."
Hanzo realized that their current priority was not to engage in a drawn-out negotiation with Konoha. While he felt a twinge of regret for potentially missing out on fifty million, he chose not to question Akihiko's decision and simply said, "Very well, I'll capture him next time and reclaim that fifty million."
Akihiko couldn't help but be perplexed by Hanzo's intentions. What was he planning? You couldn't continually extort others like this. What had become of the dignity of a Demi-God?
With a faint twitch at the corner of his mouth, Akihiko glanced at Kakuzu, who was nodding in agreement. He could only silently wish Danzo the best of luck.
At that moment, Hanzo couldn't help but ask, "So... when are we releasing him?"
Akihiko considered for a moment before responding, "We'll release him once the money is in hand. Oh, By the way..." He narrowed his eyes slightly, a mischievous gleam in them. "Let's host a farewell ceremony for our dear friend Danzo."
Hanzo and Kakuzu exchanged confused and bewildered expressions at Akihiko's unexpected proposal. It wasn't every day that they heard of a farewell ceremony for a hostage.
…
Several days later, Konoha sent a message confirming that they would deliver the ransom and requested the swift release of Danzo. Akihiko insisted that the exchange should occur simultaneously, with money and prisoner changing hands at the same time. The agreed-upon time and place for the exchange, right at the border of the two countries, quickly arrived.
On the awaited day, Akihiko, the leader of the Grass Village, felt he needed to attend the exchange at this crucial moment. Hanzo accompanied him, as he recognized that the resurgence of the Rain was partly due to Danzo's assistance, and they wished to bid him farewell before his departure.
Now, they stood in the location where Danzo was being held. Hanzo, realizing the significance of the situation, addressed Danzo, "I never expected that Konoha would place such a high value on you!"
Hanzo placed his hands behind his back, adopting a serious tone beneath his mask. His eyes were fixed on Danzo, who was sitting cross-legged. "I must admit... I underestimated you," he began. "In such dire circumstances, you managed to pass information to Konoha, plunging the Grass and Rain countries into a crisis and alerting Konoha to your presence. Your tactical acumen is truly astounding."
But Hanzo didn't stop there. "Moreover, even in captivity, you maintained a level of composure that is unparalleled. Your ability to stay calm in the face of adversity is remarkable."
With sincerity on his face, Hanzo continued, "You truly deserve the title of Konoha's Darkness."
Hanzo went on, "I, Hanzo, the demi-god of the ninja world, acknowledge your wisdom. The next time we cross paths, it might be a battle for life and death."
Once Hanzo finished speaking, Kakuzu, who was standing beside him, also reacted. He also stared at Danzo, his eyes dim as if he were extremely wary. After a pause, he spoke calmly, "Interesting..."
Pakura, who had recently joined work to earn money, was left astonished by the sight before her. She couldn't believe that the revered Demi-god and the head of Grass Village's financial department, who had shocked the Stone Village, were praising a prisoner to such an extent. Confusion filled her expression, and she couldn't help but ask, "Who is this guy?"
Before anyone else could respond, Akihiko took the opportunity to interject. He waved his hand and gazed at Danzo with a serious expression, explaining, "This is the Darkness of Konoha. He is one of the main students of the Second Hokage and worked closely with him. Moreover, he's known as the Twins of Konoha, alongside the Light of Konoha, the strongest Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. It's thanks to him that Konoha thrives today."
Akihiko couldn't help but reflect on the sudden alliance between Hanzo and Kakuzu, which had caught him off guard. He realized that with all the praise they were showering on Danzo, there wasn't much left for him, as the leader, to boast about. However, it was important for him to set an example as the leader, so when Pakura asked her question, he seized the opportunity to provide additional information and praise for Danzo.
Continuing with an emotional tone, he explained further. "He... He was the first to discover the secrets of the Grass and Rain Shinobi Villages and successfully leaked the information, causing a significant loss for us." Akihiko sighed deeply.
"What?" Pakura's eyes widened in response to the revelation. She shook her head, unable to fathom the gravity of Danzo's role in recent events. She muttered in disbelief, "This Konoha Shinobi, who is also known as the Konoha's Darkness or the Twin Star, has caused you a significant setback?"
Pakura was well aware of Akihiko's formidable strength, so it was astonishing to think that a Konoha Shinobi had posed such a threat to him.
Pakura sighed and continued, "Truly, Konoha is indeed the most powerful Shinobi Village. I remember hearing about a Konoha genin who nearly wiped out the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist in the past, which sent shockwaves through the entire ninja world. But I never imagined that Konoha still harbored such a formidable ninja!"
As soon as she said this, Danzo, who was receiving praise, grew slightly uncomfortable. He responded with a cold snort, saying, "I'm just a defeated prisoner. There's no need to humiliate me like this. But.. don't underestimate Konoha shinobi!"
"Terrifying!" they all muttered in agreement, shaking their heads.
Danzo, with an irritated expression and a face full of tick marks, retorted, "I've said there's no need to humiliate me like this! Grass Village Leader, what do you want this time?"
Akihiko didn't beat around the bush. He sighed with a tinge of remorse and looked at Danzo, his eyes carrying a sense of regret. "There's no need to keep up the act. You've already managed to transmit your situation here to Konoha, haven't you?"
'Have I? But when did that happen?' As Danzo heard those words, he had a moment of internal confusion. But before he could make sense of it, Akihiko continued, "For your own safety, Konoha has decided to ransom you for an unimaginable sum. So..." Akihiko gazed intently at Danzo. "You are now free, Konoha's Darkness!"
As Danzo processed Akihiko's words, he was taken aback, realizing the situation unfolding before him. He sneered at Akihiko's question, "Do you really intend to let me go?"
"I have no choice! Konoha has offered too much!" Akihiko shook his head and then locked eyes with Danzo. "If you possessed the Nine-Tails power that even the First Hokage feared, or the Wood Style, or the famous dojutsu Mangekyo Sharingan, then I... Akihiko Kusano, would surely kill you. But..." He paused for a moment. "You don't."
With those words, Akihiko turned and made his way outside. "Bring him out. Konoha Shinobi are here, and we can't let our allies suffer."
The others followed Akihiko outside, leaving Danzo behind in silence. His face portrayed a complex mix of emotions, including regret, anger, and bitterness. He engaged in self-reflection, muttering to himself, "Am I truly too weak?"
At that moment, a group of Grass Shinobi approached Danzo, speaking with a blend of politeness and jest, "Danzo-sama, it's time for you to return. In your honor, our leader has arranged a special farewell party!"
Danzo, who had snapped out of his daze, blinked in surprise, 'What the hell?!'
…
On the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Grass, a squad of masked ANBU shinobi from Konoha maintained a close watch on the area before them. Their mission was to ensure that the secret of Danzo's capture remained concealed. The Hokage had dispatched them for this purpose, entrusting them with the swift retrieval of Danzo.
"Remember, no matter how much the Grass Village tries to provoke us, we must not engage," the ANBU team leader, who appeared to be in command, said firmly. "Our operation must be discreet, with the primary goal being the safe return of our target. Stay focused on completing the mission covertly."
However, as soon as he finished his instructions, the ANBU shinobi in front of him appeared unresponsive. They gazed blankly ahead, completely entranced by something they saw. In a bewildered tone, they murmured, "Team... leader..."
"What's the matter? You're ANBU shinobi, the village's finest!" the ANBU team leader scolded. "Maintain discipline and secrecy while executing the mission!".
"No... maintaining secrecy might not be an option any longer," one of the ANBU members shook his head and stated.
"What?!" The ANBU team leader was immediately perplexed by their comments.
"Look..." Another ANBU team member motioned to his leader and gestured toward a section of the Grass Village border.
"What are you talking about?" The ANBU team leader, growing increasingly impatient, asked before turning his attention to the direction indicated by the ANBU shinobi. He was then left utterly stunned.
The sight that met his eyes left him in a state of disbelief. He stared in astonishment at a sudden red banner displayed inside the border of the Land of Grass.
On it was inscribed: "Farewell to Konoha's Shinobi Guest — Shimura Danzo!"
The ANBU team leader couldn't help but wonder what was going on. This was certainly an unexpected turn of events. Not only did the Grass Village have their leader and the famed demi-god of the ninja world, but also their financial department head, which was quite unusual.
Standing prominently at the forefront of this unusual gathering was the elder of Konoha and their mission's target, Shimura Danzo.
'What the hell is happening here?' The ANBU team leader and his members were equally perplexed by the strange scene. It appeared as though the Grass Village was bidding farewell to Danzo, which was far from what they had anticipated. The situation was growing increasingly perplexing.